Plymouth Magazine-Spring24-FINAL - Flipbook - Page 2
Letter from Your Senior Pastor
By Rev. Dr. Jared Wortman (he/him)
“Plymouth is a tradition. It is not only
a present possession, it is a rich heritage
passed along to us by the past.”
I cherish these words from my distant
predecessor Stoddard Lane, who served
as Plymouth’s Senior Pastor from 1929
to 1943. When Lane penned these
words, Plymouth was already a church
with a vibrant history in Des Moines.
The cover article of this issue, written
by recent Drake alum Allie ShambaughMiller, explores Lane’s ministry at a
time when the world was teetering on
the edge of global war and uncertainty.
I’m grateful for this story and all the
stories in this issue that remind us of our
ongoing legacy.
A mentor once encouraged me to read
past ministers’ biographies as a regular
leadership practice. I have rows of
biographies of ministers who served at
2
historic congregations like Plymouth in
my office. Over the years, I have often
found solace in reading the stories and
sermons of those who clung to hope
and faith as they faced the challenges of
another era.
beautiful. A fundamental part of this
vision entails caring for this sacred space.
We cannot underestimate the importance
of the Plymouth Foundation and the
legacy gifts that continue to make our
future a reality.
As I see it, there is something humbling
and weighty in realizing that the
Plymouth of today has inherited a bold
and resilient tradition. I’m often mindful
of Lane and all the previous ministers
who spoke words of comfort, justice, and
joy throughout Plymouth’s history. We
do well to hear voices from the past as
we also look to what’s ahead. Plymouth
has weathered so much — and I believe
we have the resolve and courage to face
whatever the future holds.
I love that this issue not only remembers
the past with intention but also
highlights today’s stories that bring
freshness and vitality. Whether through
the compassionate actions of Plymouth’s
Stephen ministers or the crucial work
of those teaching the next generation
of Plymouth students in the OWL
program, it is a gift to see, name, and
know the people and programs that are
playing out in front of us.
I hope you’ll also spend time with Chuck
Offenburger’s article about the Plymouth
Foundation and all those who have given
to the long-term vision of Plymouth.
What I’ve been thinking about more
and more lately is that Plymouth was
built to last. Although Plymouth’s
roots can be traced back to 1857, we’re
quickly approaching 100 years at our
current location. When the members of
Plymouth built a building at the corner
of Ingersoll and 42nd Street almost a
century ago, they didn’t have a small
vision. They built a place where faith was
significant — and where just being in
the Sanctuary prompted you to lift your
eyes to what is holy, breathtaking, and
Gratefully continuing a legacy with you,
